Sunday, April 28, 2013

George Bass Coastal Trail


As the grey clouds rolled, 10 Walkabouters set out to walk along
the Bass Coastal Trail.

The George Bass Coastal Trail is situated 120 kms south east of Melbourne and stretches from the outskirts of San Remo to the township of Kilcunda.







The trail starts at Punchbowl Reserve, so named for the crater like rock formation at the base of the cliffs. Looking down we saw two fisherman standing on the rocks. As we watched a large wave crashed over the rocks, knocking the men off their feet. They were soon back on their feet fishing again!! People have drowned after being swept off these rocks. The fisherman were testing their luck!






The trail follows reserves of land sandwiched between the cliffs and farmland. Remnant native vegetation can still be found clinging to the cliff tops including Coastal Banksia, Coastal Beard Heath, white correa and coastal tea-tree.







So who was George Bass?



Half Moon Bay



Here are a few words about George to go with the dramatic coastal views.








George Bass was a surgeon in the British Royal Navy and arrived in the young colony of Sydney Cove in Port Jackson, New South Wales, in 1795 on board HMS Reliance

He brought with him a small wooden row boat nicknamed "Tom Thumb". George and his fellow ship mates Matthew Flinders and William Martin went exploring along the coast of New South Wales towards Botany Bay in search of good grazing land, fresh water sources and safe harbours, as well as creating navigational maps of the coastline.







In 1797, George and six crew members rowed a whale boat south along the coast towards Van Diemens Land. At the time it was thought that Van Diemens Land was attached to the rest of Australia. George and his crew rowed to the furthest south eastern point of Australia Cape Howe and then west along the of Gippsland and into Western Port Bay. 







Through his observations and knowledge of tides and swells, George concluded
that a strait existed between Australia and Van Dieman's Land.

He later confirmed this on a voyage of exploration with Matthew Flinders in the
sloop Norfolk by circumnavigating Van Diemans Land.  






Whilst he was rowing along the Gippsland coast, George landed not far from the
coastal trail to replenish his water supply.

The small town of Bass was named in commemoration of his landing.







So, the next time you travel to Van Dieman's Land (Tasmania) by boat, 
you will know who the Strait is named after.







And you will want to hope for a smooth crossing of Bass Strait.








We ate lunch sitting on the beach and watched the waves crash 
as they rolled in from Bass Strait.



Lunch time









































 








And then the sun set.







Friday, April 26, 2013

Walk Notice - George Bass Coastal Trail - Sunday 28th April

This Sunday the Walkabouters will be wandering along the George Bass Coastal Trail.


The Walk:

This is a walk along the cliff-tops from near San Remo to Kilcunda, and back again, with views out to Bass Strait. The path is undulating as it passes through coastal shrubs and over grasslands. We will also remember George Bass and his voyages here over 200 hundred years ago. 

Grade:

Medium walking, about 14 km in length. 



Here are some coastal views to whet your appetite!

 


Except that the photos wont upload!



Oh, here they are.

Sleepy Bay, Freycinet Peninsula, Tas.



Winegalss Bay, Freycinet Peninsula, Tas.



The Hazards, Freycinet Peninsula, Tas.


The views along the cliff tops from the Goerge Bass Coastal Trail
may be just as beautiful.


Looking forward to seeing you there.




For more information contact:
walkabouters@hotmail.com




Walkabouters Club of Victoria Inc.
A0019863A


Sunday, April 7, 2013

Sherbrooke Forest, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Belgrave

Sherwood Forest is the home of Robin Hood and his Merry Men and is situated somewhere in England, miles away from were the Walkabouter's walked on this delightful Autumn day.



Sherbrooke Forest is the home of the elusive lyrebird and very tall trees!



Lyrebirds can move very fast!




Here are some photos from the walk.




































































Very tall trees




Grant's  Cockatoo's Picnic Ground

























 

A tree fell on the bridge to the Falls

















 



Some words will follow shortly, just got to finish this......












Walkabouters Club of Victoria Inc.
A0019863A










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